DE10013382A1 - Object construction method using computer aided designing, involves storing component co-ordinate data in sub-file and sub-file code word data in master file - Google Patents

Abstract

The coordinate data of the pixels of each component is stored in subfiles hierarchically, depending on the geometric shape of the components. The sub-files also store the positions of the components in an object. The code words of the sub-files are stored in a master file.

Description

The invention relates to a method for constructing a technical Object according to the preamble of claim 1.

Such a method is e.g. B. known from the magazine AV 31 (1994), pages 408ff. The point is that a workpiece is made entirely of technical Elements is constructed. The technical elements are stored in subfiles, the data structure being geometric and / or technical.

In such CAD systems, it is up to the designer to choose the elements to choose which one to include in the drawing of his workpiece (component, Object) wants to insert. By calling up what appears in a menu Component, the geometric data of the sub-file of the called Transformed component to data in the main file.

The CAD systems in use today could not avoid the following problems:

• 1. 1.) How can multiple designs of parts, of individual parts in particular?
• 2. 2.) How to identify a part with unknown name for storage, Outsourcing or use in construction or assembly?
• 3. 3.) How to create a complete list of all existing parts a parts group, e.g. B. due to necessary changes?
• 4. 4.) How can necessary changes of workpieces or Automate components?
• 5. 5.) Some parts could be made from different semi-finished products (profile, sheet metal, cast, Solid material). How can you already during the Construction process compare the different manufacturing costs?
• 6. 6.) How can changes in standards or the like without too much effort goes into the relevant drawings?

To compensate for these problems, the usual CAD systems require the following additional measures:

• a) They require additional processing of all new designs by one downstream of the design office.
• b) If identical instances already exist when processed by this instance Found drawings must include the newly created drawings all associated documents or data already generated are destroyed become. The working time invested so far for construction, administration, Work plans etc. is lost.
• c) The storage logic based on DIN 4000 is based on terms. This however, there are highly questionable vehicles for tying a system to it. At the Attempt to add a large number of part families based on terms characterize, chaos arises.
• d) Systems similar to DIN 4000 require separate parts for each shape "Parts families", "Property bar" and pictures per "variant". This The process yields a huge number of such parts families within a very short time,  the workload solely for their production (whether on paper or using CAD) is immense.
• e) The instance downstream of the design office creates new ones Parts families in the old rule only when it is noticed that one certain form of construction parts already a larger number Drawings exist. (It can be so late that this species certainly isn't more is built).
• f) Such families of parts that are constantly to be created always cause extensive research that becomes necessary again Permanent costs. In addition, existing drawings become identical only found after research.
• g) These systems answer only the first three of the questions asked above, and even that is inadequate, because at no time all drawings - not even relatively new - can be recorded.
• h) They give the designer little chance of certain parts again because he doesn't know the filing logic.

The invention is therefore based on the following object. With the method according to the invention, it should be possible for technical drawings to be created and to be managed with the least possible effort in a retrievable or evaluable manner if identical drawings do not yet exist. Above all, the process should. meet the following requirements:

• a) There is no instance downstream of the design office.
• b) Until an existing identical drawing can be found, a maximum of only as much working time is invested as for the construction of this drawing is required.
• c) Designation of drawings is not a storage criterion.
• d) No administrative documents are required that are permanent Maintenance and expansion are required.
• e) Every new construction is immediately recognized.
• f) Research is done at most in connection with the detection such drawings required before application of the system sought have arisen.
• g) All data of each drawing constructed using this system are available available for any query at any time.
• h) The designer (or any other user) needs help do not deal with any filing logic

The solution to this problem results from claim 1 with advantageous Developments according to the other claims.

The advantage of the invention is to enable it to be used in industry worldwide CAD systems are used more and more to do more than just construction aids to use.

The invention is that one the existing CAD program additional program "put on", which thereby becomes a "master system" will be charged.  

The function of this master system is, constructions as building blocks from macros instead of joining the designer together as before allow.

In the following the invention including its further embodiments described by way of example, the advantages of the invention and its Refinements result.

An individual part drawing is created from a basic or initial body, the final form gradually by adding individual construction elements is achieved. Such a basic body is such. B. a cylinder or cuboid.

The individual construction elements "shape" the starting body by like "Removal of material" or like "bending" z. B. a tube act. Construction elements in the sense meant here can be z. B. "groove" "hole", "Paragraph", "milling", "bending" etc., in any case there are always more or less simple spatial structures. One- or two-dimensional lines or Areas are not included.

Each construction element has two names: a name that is in the background programs takes effect and nothing more than z. B. a four-digit number needs to be, and a name that is listed in the menus as technical Description.

Each construction element has a fixed coordinate point, by means of whose precise insertion into the previously created construction can. At this point a special feature of the "bending" construction element mentioned: The coordinate point of bends is the intersection of those at it subsequent straight center lines. If necessary, it also has a variable axis alignment, which enables angular installation. In general computer use, a menu is called a listing of several programs or files to choose from, which e.g. B. executed by ticking or clicking with the mouse or can be called.

In our special case, the menu should include quite a large number of Construction elements shown in small pictures, each provided with their in Technical names written in plain text.

In order to be able to present this large number in a manageable manner, several and to prefer arranged (structured) menus, preferably in Window technology. Each of them becomes less extensive.

Certain menus are also the most recently created construction assign element. They include those on these construction elements occurring and these further "shaping" elements.

Accordingly, a menu should appear at the start of the construction of individual parts NEN, which is the basic body or starting body, so z. B. four options offers: "Rotational body", "cuboid body", "together set body "and the term" functional part ".

"Rotation body" is chosen for the construction of parts, the smallest possible the finished product circumscribing geometric body is cylindrical.

"Cuboid body" is chosen for the construction of parts, the kieinst possible geometric body describing the finished product is a cuboid. "Composite body" is chosen for the construction of parts for which no clear assignment to the first two bodies is possible because their contours overlap.  

"Functional part" is chosen for the construction of parts which are characterized by both (exceptionally!) designation is adequately described (e.g. compression spring), as also by means of specially available programs (see also "Macros") Can be generated completely right away.

Depending on the selected (ticked or clicked) initial term, will be on subsequent menu pages or windows the menus mentioned above for Construction elements or further steps when selecting "functional part" offered.

These programs can be referred to as foreground programs, since their effect can be seen directly on the working screen, in that z. B .:

• - The menus already described in an orderly order on the Screen can appear, can be ticked (clicked) and then z. B. show another resolution.
• - Construction elements from the corresponding menu after ticking (Click) to the installation location determined for you within the total construction can be moved where they are initially out of scale being represented.
• - Following any such shift automatically by the system measure auxiliary lines, dimension lines and dimension arrows are drawn and the designer is asked to enter the corresponding dimensions.
• - Dimension inputs a scale representation of the drawn element surrender.
• - Standardized presentation methods, such as. B. for free spins, after calling via the menu in the right place and in the right size be carried out.

There has already been talk of "putting on" programs. Under "About put "is to be understood that programs are generated, which the already operate existing CAD programs, but cause them to be superordinate To carry out activities.

Such an overarching activity consists, among other things, of individual Construction steps, e.g. B. "to draw lines" to summarize the Construction of complex figures, which can arise automatically. A macro for the "Function part" selection item differs from the others in that all in it to produce a complete drawing required steps are saved.

For the creation of the macro described last, it is a good idea summarize existing macros for the individual steps by "putting on".

As an example, the construction using macros from the menu described.

A wave is to be drawn which has a tapered one on one string Diameter (heel) and on the other side a tapered diameter with external thread. They are also near the thread on the untapered diameter a key approach and in the edges of the Taper free turns.  

When starting work, the menu for selecting a basic shape appears on the screen shown. After ticking or clicking on "rotation body" creates a macro at a defined location on the screen (actually the entire CAD Drawing surface) a technical drawing of a cylindrical body (one "Standard cylinder"), which is already provided with extension lines, dimension lines and Dimensional arrows for the diameter and length. Flashing on the dimension lines the letters D or L and the cursor is at one of these letters. On ge The appropriate place is the request, "please enter dimensions". (The construction errors "forgotten dimensions" no longer exist!).

As soon as both dimensions have been entered, another macro changes the shape of the Cylinder: It is now shown to scale!

Now in a new menu the question of the semi-finished product or its Material provided. For example, "Round" from z. B. C45G can be selected, whereby the diameter in question from stored DIN tables of the different types of products (e.g. DIN 668, DIN 1013) are offered. Each after whether a round material corresponding to the finished size of our cylinder was chosen or one with a larger diameter, so far The cylinders shown may be provided with processing symbols and tolerance information Need to become. A menu responsible for this therefore asks for this information and causes their entry in the drawing.

Then a menu appears asking whether the construction should start closed is. If you answer "no", a new menu prompts you to choose of construction elements to be added by adding the to zylin offers the most frequently occurring parts (further menu pages or Windows would contain less common ones).

Our designer decides - if necessary after browsing through several menus - Layers - next for the "Paragraph" construction element, so cross (click) it on. Since left and right paragraphs must look in mirror image, first of all a further resolution in "left" and "right". Can be ticked again become. This makes this element "flexible": it flits in the place of the Cylinders for which the designer intended it, i.e. to the right or left End, is provided with dimension lines and prompts appear again Dimension or tolerance and processing character entries. Once this has been done, it is Element is drawn to scale and the next menu appears.

This menu refers to the last element drawn, i.e. to the down sentence, and first asks whether this element is already complete or whether it is still further sub-elements should follow.

Our designer ticks (clicks) "more" and receives a menu that shows the construction elements or groups that occur most frequently in paragraphs offers to choose from. Underneath there can be an element "Paragraph" which would allow further gradations, but our designer searches for "free rotation" and thus automatically draws in the correct one The size of a free spin where it belongs. It appears again Menu related to the paragraph. Again the question of completeness this time it is affirmed.

Now the question again arises whether the construction is finished, and after "no" again the most common on cylindrical parts upcoming construction elements offered for selection. The same follows Procedure as already described up to the point where the menu for "paragraph" the question of completeness. The designer is in any order follow both the free rotation and the thread drawing and still  once get the menu for cylindrical parts to add the key approach produce.

This defines the shape of the constructed part. Menus follow Determination of the heat treatment, surface treatment etc., then the Drawing done.

Everything described so far is known to experienced users and is in this or Similar form more or less often used. The invention strikes but before - as a logical consequence of what has been described so far - one more To go one step further:

The vectors, etc. of lines from the construction kits do not soot, as has been customary up to now - ie macros, subfiles, subroutines taken over and in the main file can be saved. Only the modular system of macros is saved. This simply consists of a list of the names (numbers) of the Macros for the individual construction elements in the main file of the constructing object.

If the content of each of these building kits can be automatically sorted using certain strict rules stored in the system so that the building blocks can be compared with each other, the required goal is achieved: drawings can be found or compared at any time! For this purpose, background programs are stored which effect the image structure. The effects of these programs cannot be seen on the screen. They should, without influencing the designer, become effective within the computer and take on the following tasks:

• - You automatically save the coordinate point that a construction element after moving it to its place of installation.
• - You apply rules.
• - You use these rules to create the distinctive data record.
• - You calculate new coordinates if based on the applied rules Rotations were required.
• - You provide toleranced dimensions for a clear comparison of dimensions availability as min.-max. dimensions available (at least computer - internal).

The rules mentioned also belong to the background programs.

Rules are intended to ensure that the same data records are used for the same drawings arise, regardless of the order in which the construction elements from the menus can be used.

The most important rule will therefore be that the order of the names (Num construction elements within each stage of the modular system (more correctly: the data structure of the main file!) in a given hierarchical Order - e.g. B. ascending - must be.

Another rule compares several names with the same name Construction element whose dimensions and sorts z. B. in descending Sequence.

Within the first stage (s) of the kit, a rule ensures that the Construction element with the lowest number z. B. is arranged on the left. If two or more numbers are the same, the construction element is included the larger dimensions on the left. This rule is intended to ensure that parts shown in mirror image can be recognized as identical.  

This creates a complete and freely evaluable data record of a drawing. In the following it will be shown how for the in the chapter "construction under Using macros from the menu "described example of a wave due to the interference of the background programs, a very specific one, that is, clear data constellation arises.

In the menu you clicked "Rotation body". Assuming that the macro responsible for this has the name 0001, the first part of the drawing data record is 0001, under which there are storage spaces for the associated dimensions, i.e. diameter and length. They fill up with the dimensions on the construction screen. The previous data record looks like this, neglecting all entered dimensions, tolerances and processing characters:
0001

The next macro clicked was either "Left Paragraph" or "Right Paragraph". Since the designer should not be influenced by regulations, he can Choose the order as you like it best. In fact, however, in Compliance with the rules was observed in the background.

If the designer chooses "Paragraph left" as the first, the relevant rule is followed and the name of this macro, e.g. B. L020, is saved as the next data record component under 0001. "Under" means: At a lower level within the data structure. The previous data record looks like this:
0001
L020

The following measurement entries fill the storage locations provided for this again. The coordinates are also loaded into the corresponding memory locations. However, if the designer chooses "paragraph right" instead of "paragraph left", then the rule responsible for this has not been observed, nevertheless its name, e.g. B. R020, plus dimensions plus coordinates as the next data record component under 0001 saved. This measure allows undisturbed construction work on Screen, although it is rearranged in the background.

Then the entire data record created so far is also copied and the name R020 is replaced by L020 in the copy:
Original: 0001
R020
Copy: 0001
L020

For the copy, the new coordinates must be calculated in the background be determined.

If other solutions are also conceivable, the invention achieves that the designer can work uninfluenced and that the system can be without To do so builds up a record that complies with the rules.

The sense that a rule controls whether a construction element is right or left sits, lies in it: The system should be able to exist at all times the records of other drawings with the record just created (Original and copy) to compare, to show which ones as early as possible Similar or identical drawings already exist.  

The next element is ticked "Free rotation". The macro responsible for this "knows" due to its origin from the "Paragraph" menu that it is a sub-element of "Paragraph" and therefore stores its name, e.g. B. R025, not next to, but under R020 in the original and L020 in the copy. The previous data record looks like this, assuming the more complicated case and without taking the dimensions into account:
Original: 0001
R020
R025
Copy: 0001
L020
L025

Our designer chose "paragraph" as the next element. The macro responsible for this "knows" due to its origin from the menu for "rotating body" that it is a main element of "rotating body" and therefore saves its name, namely both L020 in the original and R20 in the copy, directly under its record:
Original: 0001
R020; L020
R025
Copy: 0001
L020; R020
L025

The following measurements for "paragraph" also fill in this one seen storage locations. This first applies the rule that the rows controlled by construction elements. She notes that at this level two identical elements are present and therefore indicates for further examination the rule that controls the size of two elements of the same name.

The dimensions involved are therefore compared. The result is that the The dimensions belonging to the original data record must be in the correct order Order in the record copy is wrong and it is replaced by a renewed copy with reversed left-right markings. In the other case the original record and the unchanged copy continued, both until the message "The drawing is finished" appears.

The following element - thread or free rotation - is again a sub-element of "paragraph". Assuming that the designer had chosen the free rotation first, a data record would be created which, for the sake of simplicity, only looks at the original data record;
R001
R020; L020
R025; L025

Under the conditions previously assumed, the next element must be called "thread". If this were named L023 ~, that would not be a reason to make a record copy, but the rule that examines the weights of the elements would take effect and change the order:
0001
R020; L020
R025; L023; L025

The last element in our example is the key approach. Again, this is an element from the "Rotation body" menu, which is why its name is saved directly under the number of "Rotation body". The question of the order is answered again by the weights to be checked. Should the name e.g. B. 0027, the record would get this appearance:
0001
R020; L020 ;;;;;;;;; 0027
R025; L023; L025

However, if the name were e.g. H. 0015, the data record would look like this:
0001
0015; R020; L020
R025; L023; L025

This creates a data set that is complete and the shape of the part unmistakably describes. More details as they appear at the end of the chapter "Construction using macros from the menu" are described, also expand the record so that it becomes possible to complete the drawing based on this data set.

The following should be noted:

How the weights of the names of the macros after the system was introduced of this invention is irrelevant. It is important that you later, d. H. no longer when using the system for practical construction work should be changed. But since it is very difficult to predict whether or not other than the one originally chosen would be cheaper, it seems reasonable from Appropriate measures should be taken at the beginning to change them enable without causing distortions in the design.

If there are a plurality of records in the form previously described are available, they can be created by suitable additional programs for any Use and evaluate research.

This should be a priority during the construction phase: Because everyone completed construction step generates a (preliminary) data set, this can continuously compared with existing data sets, which z. B. on the construction screen shows the number of the until then allows identical and / or similar drawings.

By clicking etc. these drawings can be generated in between and be compared.

In particular, it will also be possible to create the work schedule for the manufacture of the counter to generate status or to largely support its creation.

It has already been mentioned that the "construction elements the starting body shape "by acting like operations. Therefore, based on these Construction elements in connection with their dimensions, also an original work plan arise by giving each element a specific workflow or work sequence is assigned and tables with processing times are also stored. From these tables, based on the existing dimensions and knowledge the correct values are assigned to the material.  

The invention therefore offers the following advantages when used:

• 1. 1.) Even the designer avoids multiple designs across the company of parts, especially of individual parts, by showing the overlay Observe information on similar drawings at an early stage. If he tries anyway The system prevents the generation of identical data records.
• 2. 2.) It is easily possible to use parts with unknown names for the Storage, outsourcing or use in construction or assembly too identify by taking the dimensions of the part and the Replicates construction process according to this invention. Doing there so many construction elements until the system finds main files, that are built from the same subroutines, d. H. until the overlay the number of similar and / or identical parts is "1".
• 3. 3.) You can get a complete listing of all existing parts of a Parts group, e.g. B. generate due to necessary changes by all Main records, since they are the full forms of the related Describe drawings using the nomenclature of the sub-files under Specification of a "search data record" without dimensions can be selected.
• 4. 4.) Required changes to workpieces or components can be automate by making changes only in the affected files or Subfiles are brought. In connection with a command "replace with "can recurring changes in dimensions or other Data are changed automatically.
• 5. 5.) Since semi-finished products such as sheet metal, profile and solid material are also stored in tables and since they also form part of the data set as material information and this creates an original work plan are current manufacturing costs immediately available. Changes in standards or the like can flow into the relevant drawings without effort. A short term Changes to the material specification and thus the data set are generated immediately a modified original work plan, the costs of which can be compared.
• 6. 6.) Standard regulations are stored in tables. One change in one From now on, the table only results in drawings according to the latest Stand can be generated.
• 7. 7.) The invention is executable in commercially available CAD programs that the Users a certain amount of self-programming by a majority allow successive construction steps and an automatic Effect the course of these construction steps. Of course you can too a finished program package, which is generated by CAD providers and will be distributed will be used.
• 8. 8.) The vector storage previously used in CAD systems is no longer required. she will replaced by reusable blocks, subfiles, subpro programs, algorithms, macros in interaction with the associated ones Dimensions. This means that the storage capacity increases Saving effect, the larger the proportion of drawings managed in this way. It follows from this that the characteristics are outsourced to another System possible, but not necessary for storage reasons appears. 1st exception: programming on the other system less problematic. 2nd exception: For the creation of work plans there is usually a separate system. It is certainly an advantage of this System to use for the creation of the original work plans, but for what mutual access to the records is required.

In this application, only the creation of a single part drawing, and the only described using a very simple example of a compilation. Of course, one does not come to the construction of more difficult parts with the few macros mentioned. But also variously shaped parts consist of recurring form elements, i.e. macros, their names then in the data record several times next to each other and / or on different levels. It is essential that due to the systematic Name the individual parts / macros and their hierarchical order Sorting of the data record defining the assembly drawing becomes possible. With such a data set that defines the entire part, you can Parts that contain all individual shapes or only partial quantities of the individual shapes use the same hierarchical order. It follows that the data record as a whole gets longer, but always by a multiple remains more compact than would be the case with vector storage. Overall, a "complicated" construction is characterized by the fact that it stands out consists of a large number of "simple" features. That means: From one relatively small number of macros can be an unmanageably large number create different constructions. These constructions are under comparable to each other.

So that the dimensioning of complicated parts without overlapping or overwriting detailed drawings can be created. The system should be for the time during the construction keep an area coverage plan, which detects when there are overlaps. In this case, an automatic Switch to detailed drawing. It is in the parent data record to put both a marker, which indicates at which point on the detail drawing is to branch. Likewise, the place in the drawing field to which is branch is to be noted using coordinates.

Claims (13)

1. Method for constructing a technical object by means of a computer-aided drawing program (CAD program), in which the object is recorded in a main file and electronically stored and in which the main file of the object from the data of the components, including the definition, stored in individual sub-files the position of the components can be assembled in the object,
Mark:
The sub-files define the components with a respectively defined coordinate point to which the pixels of the component refer and are stored in the memory with code words which are hierarchically arranged in accordance with the geometric shape of the respective component;
the main file is made up of only the code words of the sub-files, by means of which the components required for the object are recorded, in the hierarchical order of the components, and of the coordinate points specified in the respective sub-files, to which the pixels of the component relate. 2. The method according to claim 1
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Even non-physical three-dimensional shapes such as grooves, bores, shoulders, millings, bends are swept as components in subfiles. 3. The method according to claim 1
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the main file also contains the entered dimensions of the components or shapes. 4. The method according to claim 1
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the code word of each subfile and / or the subfile itself contains, as a component, the hierarchically preceding and / or hierarchically following components and shapes that are considered. 5. The method according to claim 1
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the hierarchically preceding and / or hierarchically following components of a component are taken into account by a menu which can be activated by calling up a component. 6. The method according to claim 1
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The hierarchical order of the components and the code words which are assigned to the subfiles of the components is based on basic forms such as, for. B. rotational body, cuboid, prefabricated parts (e.g. springs, rings, screws, standard parts) and then designates the possible physical components and non-physical spatial shapes of the basic shapes and then the possible physical components and non-physical spatial shapes of the preceding Components or shapes. 7. The method according to claim 1
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physical components and non-physical spatial shapes of the same hierarchical order recognized as left / right elements. 8. The method according to claim 1
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Left / right elements are hierarchically classified by the size of the dimensions entered on a given page (left or right). 9. The method according to claim 1
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The components are represented by vectors, each of which has a starting point related to the component 10. The method according to claim 1
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Each component is described by a subfile, which contains the starting point of the vectors, the vectors and the dimensions that can be entered by hand 11. The method according to claim 1
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the starting point is shifted in each case and the component is rotated so that the component takes its position in the drawing. 12. The method according to claim 1
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The subfile assigned to a component is called up with a literal name. 13. The method according to claim 1
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by calling a code word for a component for insertion into a main file, all objects or components stored in the CAD computer, which contain the code word and the preceding code words of the main file, are called up and presented as parts of the same family of parts, including similarity parts.